Trolleybuses for agglomerations - the Hallwang

Promoting electric public transport
Trolleybuses for agglomerations the Hallwang-Esch example
Trolleybuses in Salzburg
In approximately 60 cities of the European Union,
trolleybuses form an integral part of public transport. In Salzburg, the trolleybus network (that
consists of 10 lines) and 3 tram lines provide the
backbone of public transport. Salzburg‘s transportation service is complemented by several gas and
diesel bus lines. Currently, the trolleybus network
of the Salzburg AG has a length of approx. 100
kilometres (61.24 miles).
Network extension into surrounding area
The Salzburg AG/Salzburg Local Railways is a lead
partner of the EU project „Trolley“. This project is
concerned with questions of energy consumption
optimization, efficiency enhancement in public
transport and improvement of the trolley bus
image.
To meet the focus on „efficiency enhancement“, the
Salzburg AG and the Hallwang municipality authorized the investigation of a trolleybus network
extension into the surrounding area. As since trolleybus line 4 was successfully extended to Hallwang
Mayrwies in 2007, the question was raised whether
further extensions of the network into the agglomeration would make sense.
Starting point of the investigation was a general
comparison between the diesel bus and trolleybus
systems. Based on these findings, concrete use
cases were applied to shed light on the effects of
network extensions, including extension of the trolleybus network within the municipality Hallwang
from Mayrwies to Esch. Then the impact on the
environment, passenger volumes and economic
viability could be investigated. The results of a passenger and citizen survey conducted in Hallwang
could be used to gain information on acceptance of
the trolleybus service and its network extension.
Promoting electric public transport
Trolleybus network extension to Mayrwies - success factors
Recommended improvement measures
is not true
is true
is not true
is true
Improved transport service
in the evenings and on weekends
Short intervals
Shorter journey times
Fare
Direct connections without changing required
Better connections to Salzburg
Trolleybus passenger survey
The extension of trolleybus line 4 to Hallwang
Mayrwies has led to a considerable increase in passenger volume in the last few years. A passenger
survey on the new line section of trolleybus line 4
was conducted to interview passengers about the
success factors. Passengers especially found the
better to connection to Salzburg, the direct connections and the short intervals very positive. Compared to diesel buses, trolleybuses are considered
more environmentally friendly. They are also expected to run more often, are thought to be more
modern and quiet. In addition, passengers believe
that trolleybuses contribute to a more positive image of Salzburg.
Comparison trolleybus - diesel bus
is true
not sure
Trolleybuses are more
environmentally friendly
Trolleybuses are quieter
Trolleybuses have shorter
interval times
Trolleybuses are more
modern
Trolleybuses are better
for the city‘s image
Trolleybuses are more
comfortable
Trolleybus network should be extended
Current bus network is sufficient
Introduce diesel buses on trolleybus lines
Introduce trolleybuses on diesel bus lines
The passengers were further asked about their
opinion on further improvement measures for public
transport. The majority are in favour of an extension
of the trolleybus network, but in general consider the
bus network sufficient to meet their needs. The passengers surveyed clearly disapprove of a conversion
of the trolleybus lines into diesel bus lines.
Citizen survey in Hallwang-Esch
82% of the citizens interviewed were in favour of an
extension of trolleybus line 4 to Hallwang-Esch and
said they would use it. 13% of the interviewees were
not sure about using line 4. They could be further
potential passengers in addition to the 82%.
Advantages of an extension of trolleybus line 4
is not true
Trolleybuses are more reliable
Trolleybuses are faster than
diesel buses
Stop closer to place of
residence
Short intervals
(frequent availability)
Better connections to
Salzburg
Direct connections
Shorter travel times
Saving of costs
Improved transport
service in the evenings
and on weekends
© Google Earth
Promoting electric public transport
Stop catchment areas (500m) at trolleybus line extension to Hallwang-Esch
The surveys show that especially a stop closer to
the place of residence, the better connection to
Salzburg and direct connections are evaluated as
very positive. Improved transport service in the
evenings and on weekends, plus shorter intervals
are also connected with the line extension. Shorter
travel times and saving costs are considered lesser
advantages.
Comparison between diesel bus
and trolleybus
First the operating costs of diesel buses and trolley
buses were compared. The cost information on trolleybuses was based on current cost rates.
A comparison between the two shows that the
running costs (energy, vehicle maintenance and
depreciation) for trolleybus operation are lower for
average mileages than for comparable diesel bus
operation. This is mainly due to the considerably
lower energy costs. The maintenance costs for diesel buses and trolleybus, however, are similar. Only
the vehicle depreciation costs are slightly higher for
trolleybuses. The higher purchase price of trolleybuses can, however, be mostly offset by their longer
average life time.
On the other hand, trolleybus operation does
require investments in power supply.
For a system comparison between diesel bus and
trolleybus, the impact on the environment is also relevant. Trolleybus operation has the advantage that it
is locally emission-free. As the Salzburg AG operates
their trolleybuses with water-generated power, no
emissions are produced for power generation either.
Extension of trolleybus line
to Hallwang-Esch
With the extension of trolleybus line 4 in Hallwang
from Mayrwies to Esch the residential and industrial
areas between Mayrwies Brunnenweg and Esch are
connected to the existing Salzburg trolleybus network.
For the extension of trolleybus line 4, the route must
be extended by another 3 kilometres (1.7 miles).
This means the infrastructure, including overhead
wires, overhead line masts, switch connections and
electric rectifier station need to be installed. Infrastructure investments amount to approx. € 2.8 m.
On the new line section between Mayrwies and Esch,
trolleybuses are scheduled to run every 20 minutes.
Promoting electric public transport
Advantages for passengers
Economic viability
An extension of trolleybus line 4 to Hallwang-Esch
provides several advantages for passengers.
An extension of trolleybus line 4 to Hallwang-Esch
requires additional investments in the infrastructure (approx. € 2.8 m.) and the purchase of an
additional trolleybus (€ 670,000).
 With an extension of the trolleybus line, the transport services offered between Hallwang-
Esch and Salzburg are enhanced.
 Three new stops are set up to improve access to the trolleybus.
 This also creates attractive inner-city PuT ser
vices for Hallwang‘s districts along the route.
 New direct connections between Hallwang-Esch and Salzburg are provided. This is true for
destinations served by trolleybus line 4 that
currently require changes to reach them.
An example is the direct connection to the
Salzburg historic centre, as trolleybus line 4 serves the central Hanuschplatz.
All in all, an additional 77,000 passengers are expected to use public transport between HallwangEsch and Salzburg. These are mainly current car
drivers whose switchover to public transport will
also have a positive effect on the environment.
Salzburg AG für
Energie, Verkehr &
Telekommunikation
Plainstraße 70
5020 Salzburg
Austria
www.salzburg-ag.at
PTV AG
Stumpfstr. 1
76131 Karlsruhe
Germany
www.ptvag.com
Moreover, additional costs incur for operation of
the extension of the trolleybus line. The running
costs are based on personnel requirements, power
consumption, maintenance of the additional vehicle
and the power generation facilities. The total additional costs per year amount to approx. € 360,000.
These costs are partly offset by the additional
revenue. As with an extension of trolleybus line 4
to Hallwang-Esch, current car drivers will be won
as passengers. This means an additional potential
revenue of approx. € 70,000 per year.
In addition, intermodal shifts within the public
transport system are expected. Previous passenger
volumes on this axis and the impact of the trolleybus line extension on future PuT services are not
known. However, it is estimated that the trolleybus
revenue will increase by another € 80,000 to €
120,000 per year. There is further the possibility
of using existing regional lines as express routes
(also via new routes, e.g. the highway). This would
make the PuT system even more attractive to passengers.
Conclusion
The extension of the trolleybus line broadens the
PuT services offered. It thus makes PuT services
more appealing and helps win new customers. It
also reduces car volumes and their negative effect
on the environment. Broadening the service offer
involves additional costs.
These can partly be offset by the additional revenue generated. The survey showed that the
citizens of Hallwang-Esch evaluated the extension
of trolleybus line 4 as mostly positive.
This project is implemented through the
CENTRAL EUROPE Programme co-financed by the ERDF
Mehr Informationen unter www.ebus.eu